Why I Start Every Morning with a Cold Shower

Most people wait for their shower to warm up before stepping in.

I do the opposite.

I step into the shower before turning the water on. This way, the first thing that hits my body is ice-cold water.

It’s a brutal way to start the morning… but that’s exactly the point.

Cold exposure triggers your sympathetic nervous system — your body’s “fight or flight” mode — and releases a surge of norepinephrine, a powerful hormone and neurotransmitter linked to increased alertness, focus, reaction time, and mood.

Some research even shows norepinephrine levels spike by up to 200–300% after cold exposure.

It’s like flipping your brain’s natural “ON” switch.

Within seconds, my breathing deepens, my heart rate rises, and mental fog clears. The cold forces me to be present — locked in and alert. Blood flows more efficiently, brown fat activates to heat my body up, and I feel more energized throughout the day without needing caffeine.

This has been my morning ritual for the last 5–6 months. And honestly, nothing else gets me into a peak state so fast.

Cold showers might not be for everyone — but if you’re looking for a powerful way to boost your morning energy, clarity, and mood…

Try starting your day with a little discomfort.

This is the 5th installment in my project of publishing a mini essay every day to achieve 100 public pieces. Check out the full list here, and the previous letter here.